Taxing toll on transfers

SHANGHAI - Wayne Rooney led the big names linked with a move to China, but the only arrivals before the latest transfer window shut last Friday were striker Anthony Modeste and a cast mostly of freebies, loanees and has-beens.

A new 100 percent tax on foreign imports and last-minute changes to transfer rules would appear to be the main reason for the underwhelming business.

A source close to talks to bring an English Premier League star to China said confusion over the rules had greatly complicated the proposed move and negotiations eventually broke down.